1. Universal Waste Management Training

2. Introduction
In 1995, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division (EPD) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed and streamlined hazardous waste management requirements for collecting and managing certain widely generated hazardous waste by creating a “Universal Waste” category.

3. This rule was designed to
Reduce the amount of hazardous waste items in the municipal solid waste stream
Encourage recycling and proper disposal
Reduce regulatory burdens on entities that generate these wastes

4. General Definitions
Generator- any person, site, or entity, whose act or processes produce hazardous waste as indentified or listed in 40 CRF part 261 that will cause a hazardous waste to become subject to regulation(s).
Handler- anyone who is responsible for managing universal waste (i.e. removing/
replacing lamps).

5. Types of Universal Waste
Fluorescent lamps (white fluorescent tubes)
High intensity discharge (HID) lamps with mercury
High pressure sodium lamps
Metal halide lamps
Neon lamps
Ultra-violent lamps

6. Spent lead-acid, nickel/cadmium, mercury batteries (not alkaline)
Certain and unused pesticides (suspended and/or recalled under Section 6 of the Federal Insecticide, fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)
Ballasts (with PCBs)
Mercury-containing Thermostats

7. All employees who handle or have responsibility for managing universal waste must be informed and trained as to the proper handling and emergency procedures appropriate to the type(s) of universal waste.

8. Handling and Safety Procedures
All universal waste handlers must wear appropriate glove and eye protection.

9. Lamps

10. Lamps Handle lamps in a manner that will prevent releases (breakage)
Properly store lamps in a box to prevent breakage, preferably in the original box with a secured lid.
Do not leave individual lamps leaning in a corner of rooms or hallways, lying unprotected on top of equipment or on the floor
Label all lamp containers
Do not allow box/container to get wet
Do not tape bulbs together
Do not mix different lengths or types of bulbs in a box
Package bulbs tightly without separators or other packing
Immediately contain any releases and manage released material as a universal hazardous waste

11. Not acceptable storage practice

12. If a lamp breaks You must wear leather gloves
You must wear eye protection
Avoid breathing vapors and “white dust”
Do not dispose in the normal trash
Package broken bulbs in puncture resistance closable container
Contact Facilities Management or Public Safety if you do not have the appropriate protective equipment or do not feel comfortable handling the broken waste material.

13. Ballasts containing PCBs

14. Ballasts containing PCBs
Handle ballasts in a manner that will prevent any leakage
Clip/remove wires from ballast
Store all PCB containing ballasts in an appropriate metal container with secured lid
Wear disposable gloves when packing ballasts and place the unused gloves in a separate container
Label container as ballast containing PCB

15. Used Batteries

16. Used Batteries
Handle spent batteries in a manner that will prevent a spill
Discharge batteries to remove the electric charge
Cover the terminals with duct tape or wrapped in a manner capable of preventing a discharge
Caps must be tightly placed on all batteries and/or containers in which the batteries are stored
Sort batteries by type
Properly store batteries in a structurally sound container with a secured lid
Label all battery containers
Immediately contain any spills by using appropriate protective equipment

17. Pesticides

18. Pesticides Handle pesticides in a manner that will prevent spillage
Properly store pesticides in a structurally sound container with a lid and with compatible pesticides.
Label all pesticide containers
Immediately contain any spills by using the appropriate protective equipment

20. Mercury containing Thermostats

21. Mercury containing Thermostats
Remove the ampules in a manner designed to prevent breakage and remove only over or in a contained device
The removal of the ampule are must be well— ventilated and monitored to ensure compliance and safety
Ampules must be stored in a structurally sound container with a secured lid
Label all thermostat containers
Immediately contain any mercury spills by using appropriate protective equipment

22. Labeling Procedures
All labels must clearly show the type of universal waste
All labels must have the start date of accumulation
All labels must have the container full and pick up date

23. Universal Waste Label

24. Delivery
Deliver full boxes to Facilities Management or transfer partial boxes to the appropriate on-site container
Place any containers on secondary containment pallets
Containers must remain closed at all times except when adding waste

25. Universal Waste Storage Areas
All storage containers must be stored indoors
The area must be clearly marked with a sign reading “Universal Hazardous Waste Storage”
Area must be kept secured/locked
The storage area must be inspected weekly and documented accordingly
Waste may not be stored for more than one year

26. Facilities Management Responsibilities
Responsible for all record keeping, shipping procedures, and verification of reclamation facilities
Responsible for inspecting the accumulation area on a weekly bases and ensuring all containers are properly labeled, packaged and sealed according to regulations.

27. Questions?